The European Council is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. It consists of the heads of state or government of the member states, together with its President and the President of the Commission.

The Council of the EU is the institution representing the member states' governments. Also known informally as the EU Council, it is where national ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.

"We reaffirm the market orientation of the Common Agricultural Policy with the objective of providing the most effective support for a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector in the EU."

Martijn van Dam, Minister for Agriculture of the Netherlands and the President of the Council

Agricultural market situation

Ministers discussed the current difficulties faced in several agricultural sectors, including the pig meat, dairy and fruit and vegetables sectors. The Council and the Commission agreed to take decisive actions without delay by supplementing the existing anti-crisis aid package to European farmers with a set of additional measures.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister for Agriculture of the Netherlands and chair of the Council, Martijn van Dam, made the following statement: “We recognize the depth and duration of the global crisis in agricultural markets and its impact in Europe, particularly in the dairy, pig meat and fruit and vegetables sectors, we agree on the need for a further response from the Union to include a comprehensive set of specific measures. We reaffirm the market orientation of the Common Agricultural Policy with the objective of providing the most effective support for a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector in the EU. We also reaffirm that actions should be based on solidarity and should respect the principles of the internal market.

We call upon all relevant market operators in the dairy and pig meat sector to take their business decisions in the light of these considerations and to act responsibly and contribute to restoring balance between supply and demand. That means reduction of supply is necessary".

Forestry

The Council adopted conclusions with a view to strengthening the EU support to timber-producing countries under the FLEGT action plan, by reinforcing its implementation. The conclusions follow recommendations issued by the European Court of Auditors.

International fisheries agreements

The Council adopted conclusions aimed at improving the management and implementation of fisheries partnership agreements with third countries. The conclusions follow recommendations issued by the European Court of Auditors.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council: Other meetings

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